Book Review: Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan
When I first stumbled upon Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan, I was drawn not only to its striking cover but also to the weighty themes it promised to explore. The juxtaposition of a young girl’s dreams with the very real historical trauma of Indigenous boarding schools captivated me immediately. As someone who values stories about resilience and identity, I couldn’t wait to dive into the world of Summer, a twelve-year-old girl navigating her mixed heritage and uncovering painful family histories.
Set against the backdrop of vibrant Northern Alberta, the narrative follows Summer’s annual journey from Phoenix to reconnect with her mother’s Cree family on the rez. The story gains urgency when grave sites of children from a former boarding school are discovered, echoing the painful past that has often been glossed over. The weight of this revelation bears heavily on Summer as she learns from her grandfather about his own harrowing experiences at these institutions. His haunting words—“We were subjected to harsh discipline and treated as if we were less than human”—left an indelible mark on my heart.
Duncan navigates complex themes of identity, family, trauma, and healing with a sincerity that felt real and vital. One of the most moving aspects was the powwow scene, where the community gathers in solidarity under the banner “Every Child Matters.” It was a vibrant yet somber moment that showcased the strength of community while also honoring the wounds that still lie beneath the surface. This scene, filled with both music and mourning, is one I won’t soon forget.
However, while Summer’s dreams of a girl named Mary, known as Buffalo Dreamer, are poignant, they occasionally felt like a detour rather than an integral part of the narrative. At times, I found myself wishing for those dream sequences to be more deeply woven into the fabric of Summer’s journey. This slight awkwardness aside, the messages about the importance of remembering history and giving voice to the voiceless shone clearly through Duncan’s prose.
Duncan’s writing is evocative and accessible, making complex topics digestible for middle-grade readers. Her artful depiction of the natural landscape juxtaposed with the emotional scars of her characters creates a textured reading experience. I was particularly struck by lines that danced between vulnerability and strength, reflecting how her characters navigate a world that often overlooks their stories.
Buffalo Dreamer is not just a story for its intended young audience; it resonates with anyone who seeks to understand and honor Indigenous experiences. The relevance of its themes extends far beyond its pages, making it an essential read for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the ongoing legacy of colonization.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Buffalo Dreamer to readers who appreciate stories of resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of storytelling. Duncan has crafted a poignant narrative that reminds us of the past and inspires hope for the future. After turning the last page, I found myself reflecting on my own family’s history and the stories that shape who we are—an experience I believe many readers will share.